I applied to Dawsons because I knew I wanted to work in a friendly, supportive firm, but I was unsure in which area of law I wanted to specialise. I was keen to experience a variety of departments and it was Dawsons' breadth combined with its character and excellent reputation in so many areas that appealed to me.
And it really is a friendly firm. On starting, everyone welcomed us and did their utmost to make us feel part of the firm. My first seat was in the Family Department, and the partner and solicitor with whom I shared an office could not have been more kind, reassuring and helpful. There wasn't anything I did not feel I could ask, and I learnt a great deal from them.
I had the same experience when I moved to the Employment Department, and, again, in Corporate and Commercial. While each department has a different feel to it, the firm is united by the support, guidance and approachability of the individuals in every team. As a trainee you learn not only from the work you do yourself, but also, importantly, from watching colleagues in action, speaking to clients, negotiating with other solicitors and discussing strategies internally.
Because only a handful of trainees are taken on each year, the supervision we receive is exceptional. The training experience Dawsons offers is in a different league to most firms. From day one you are placed in your department, doing real work and meeting real clients.
Although this may appear daunting at first, learning on the job is the fastest, most effective method. Many of my friends at larger firms are surprised by my involvement in cases and the level of responsibility I am given. Everybody works hard here, but there is not a culture of clock watching, nor of staying late for the sake of it.
Of course the stunning location adds to Dawsons' appeal too. Set in a beautiful, green oasis of quiet, New Square feels a world, not a stone's throw, away from busy High Holborn and Kingsway. I look forward to coming to work in the mornings, and I couldn't ask for more than that.